Auto Magazine

7 Ways To Upgrade Your Truck

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/10/13 in Trucks with Comments Off

Men love their trucks. They especially love their big trucks. Usually the bigger the better. Most trucks are manufactured with great equipment. However, if you want better options, here are seven upgrades that are worth considering.

Body Lift

A body lift is an inexpensive upgrade that costs between $110 to $600. It uses urethane blocks, which are stacked on the body mount; the mount lifts the body over the frame. The vehicle does not need any modifications because the lift forms a gap between the frame and the truck’s body (Source: Tonka 4-Wheel Drive Ltd.). The average installation time for a body lift is usually six to eight hours.

Wheel Splash Guards

Most drivers purchase mud guards because they display cartoon characters to other drivers, but mud guards also protect other vehicles on the road. They block gravel, sand, rocks, or mud that flies from your tires when you drive. Splash guards cost anywhere from $20 to $200.

MP3/iPod Features

Your truck can play tunes from your iPod or MP3 player if you have the proper hardware. You will need an audio cable, a retrofit kit, or transmitters. A cable will cost around $10, but more advanced hardware could cost around $300. The first way might be cheaper, but if you want good quality sound you will want to consider getting the more advanced hardware installed. The custom system will allow you to enjoy all of your personal music with higher sound quality.

Tailgate Protector

Through the year, a tailgate withstands plenty of abuse because various objects are dragged into the bed. It gains wear and tear because boxes move back and forth when you drive on the highway. A tailgate protector protects the top of the tailgate and the load surface. The cheapest tailgate protectors cost $30, and the most expensive protectors cost around $150.

Custom Wheels

New wheels can improve the appearance of your vehicle or change the way it drives on the road. You will usually pay $75 for each wheel. However, if you want stylish wheels, you could pay as much as $500 per wheel.

Running Boards

A running board is a simple device that can help you get out of your truck easier. Some boards have advanced algorithms, so they function whenever a truck door opens and closes. This especially comes in handy when you truck has a body lift on it, especially for those who are short enough that they have trouble getting in your truck.

Truck Racks

A truck rack is very helpful during the summer because it can hold all of your beach accessories. The rack add compartments to your truck bed; the compartments will help you store more items efficiently. A truck rack can also transport lumber to project sites and a kayak for vacation purposes.

How To Maintain Your Truck After You Buy Your Upgrades

A plan of attack must be established, so design a schedule so that you can maintain your oil, brakes, fluids, interiors, windows, and tires. The emission control systems, however, will require professional services periodically.

Overall, upgrading your truck is a smart idea because most accessories will improve how your vehicle operates.

2014: Best Family Cars with the Newest Safety Features

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/10/10 in Honda, Subaru, Volvo with Comments Off

Finding a family vehicle that can fit the needs of every occupant, should also take safety into consideration. Several safety technology features are available in vehicles today, and the following represent some of the greatest advancements for the 2014 lineup of vehicles.

2014 Honda Odyssey

The 2014 Honda Odyssey van boasts exceptional cargo room for large road trips and growing families. It also features one of the highest safety ratings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Five stars of overall rating can be tied with the body structure and traction control system. Honda uses a structure known as the ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) structure that distributes energy from a crash throughout the car to reduce stress in one crumple zone.

Passengers will also be alerted and prepared for any collision. The Forward Collision Warning System uses a small camera to detect vehicles in front and activates a visual alert. The vehicle also engages in a dual-stage airbag system that inflates at different rates depending on the impact of the collision.

2014 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback is a sporty and adventurous vehicle with plenty of safety features for growing families. The 2014 model features electronic stability control features that engage preemptively in rough terrain with the Eyesight Camera. Airbags are placed throughout the vehicle in the case of a potential rollover event.

2014 Volvo S80

Volvo has a long history of safety milestones, and the S80 is no exception. This large sedan is the perfect car for good fuel economy and road safety in one package. Enhanced crash protection include additional overhead and side impact airbags to prevent injury in the event of a rollover accident.

The car also features a stability control system that can sense when the vehicle is undergoing stress, and reduces engine power to prevent a collision. Occupants will also rest assured when airbags go off. The anti-whiplash head restraints cradles the neck to prevent injury in a typical front collision incident.

2014 Mazda CX-5

The new Mazda CX-5 is a crossover vehicle with plenty of room and safety control for smart driving. According to Yearwood & Company Surrey lawyers, the vehicle supports additional smart braking procedures that engage in rough city traffic. Emergency notification will also automatically dial 911 when necessary in the touring models. A unique feature of this vehicle is the foldaway brake pedal that folds away on impact to protect the brakes from damage.

Whether your family is looking for off-road adventure, or a fuel-saving vehicle with stylish flair, there is a vehicle with plenty of safety features available. Consider test driving one of these vehicles today and find out if it’s a good fit for your family.

Images courtesy: Volvo | Honda | Subaru

Shopping for Insurance? What Makes A Good Auto Insurance Policy

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/10/08 in Auto Insurance with Comments Off

Purchasing car insurance is crucial because most states require it, and you need it in the event that you are involved in a collision. Shopping around for insurance is important as is looking for these crucial elements.

Competitive Pricing

When you are calling different companies, find out what the exact price is for the policy and plan that you need. Some people take the word of estimates online. While some of these estimates might be accurate, other factors, such as your driving record, are going to come into play when you actually speak with a representative. Before you hang up the phone, find out exactly what the plan contains.

Discounts for Good Driving

Insurance exists to protect you in the event that you are involved in an accident. On the flip side of that is the fact that you want to be rewarded for good driving. Some insurance companies will lower the rate depending upon your driving reward. Look for an insurance company that offers a cost reduction program if you take a class. By taking a course in defensive driving or other skills, you can see a reduced rate on your bill.

Discounts for Your Teenage Drivers

Having to obtain insurance for the entire family is an entirely different ballpark than just needing it for yourself. Teenage drivers tend to have notoriously high insurance rates. Not only do you want to find a plan that has lower prices for them, but that also has possibilities open. For example, some insurance companies will lower the rate if your teenagers bring in proof of having a certain grade point average or letter average. You can also ask about reduced rates if you are having more than one person on your policy.

Bundle the Insurance Policy

Whether you are adding your child or spouse to your car insurance policy, this strategy is generally smart. Having more than one insurance policy is probably going to cost more money than just the singular unit. However, you should also find out if the insurance plan is able to be coupled with your home insurance policy too. The more money you are able to save on insurance, the more you will have for dealing with other issues and for your savings account.

Of course, the policy needs to provide you with full coverage, but a reputable insurance company should. You should allocate a decent amount of time and search to the cost.

New Car Smell: What to Know Before You Buy

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/10/06 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off

Most people are super excited when they finally get the opportunity to purchase a new car. It’s an opportunity to upgrade and finally get all the features you’ve wanted, but you also have so many factors to think about before you decide. Before you start to budget, here are a few things that you should know before buying a new ride.

Cost of Insurance

Some car buyers forget to research the cost of insurance. Before signing your name on any paperwork, it is always a good idea to get a quote from your insurance provider. While the insurance for one particular vehicle may cost around $100 a month, the insurance rates for a similar vehicle may be $150 a month. This is a cost difference of $600 a year. Make sure you have all their information before making a final decision.

Long-Term Reliability

The reliability of a vehicle is a very important quality. Although some vehicles will deliver years of trouble-free service, there are others that will need major repair work in the future. Remember, most car warranties last between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. After the warranty period ends, you will have to cover the cost of getting your vehicle repaired. When reading through the reviews for a vehicle, be on the lookout for common problem areas.

Budget

Never go shopping for a car without first developing a budget. If the payments for a vehicle exceed 20 percent of your monthly income, you should seek a more affordable alternative. Some dealerships offer free maintenance for a year, which will help you to save a lot of cash. When outlining your budget, do not forget to factor in the cost of fuel each month.

VIN Check

If you decide to purchase a pre-owned vehicle, be sure to always check the car’s vehicle identification number. According to Instavin, a VIN check gives you complete access to the vehicle’s history. In the event that the vehicle was involved in a major accident or natural disaster, a free VIN check should reveal the facts.

Optional Features

Most new vehicles are offered with several optional features. In most instances, the optional equipment will cause the total cost of the vehicle to increase. Luckily, most insurance companies provide discounts for vehicles that are equipped with upgraded safety features. Ask your dealer what is included in the total cost.

Trade-In Value

You may consider trading in your old ride. However, don’t expect the dealership to give you top dollar for your ride. Try placing an ad on Craigslist before attempting to negotiate with the dealership. If the car is not worth much money, you may want to just keep it as a backup vehicle.

When shopping for a new ride, remember to do your homework before making a final decision. The last thing you want is be stuck with an expensive lemon.

Motorcycle Hazards: How to Minimize Your Risk

by Anica Oaks on 2014/10/03 in Motorcycles with Comments Off

Motorcycles, by their very nature, are risky. If you ride, the hazards range from motorists not seeing you to changing weather. Fortunately there are steps you can take to minimize your risk. If you are a motorist, understanding the risks a motorcyclist takes will help avoid hazards, both to you and to the motorcyclist. In order to decrease the risks, all who travel the roads must use common sense precautions and alertness when driving.

Wear a Helmet

Despite the extreme physical dangers of riding a motorcycle, certain US states still don’t require that bikers wear helmets. Even if you don’t have to legally wear a helmet, a quick glance at the stats should be enough to convince you to. According to NHTSA.gov, the leading cause of death for motorcyclists is head trauma, a death risk reduced by an astounding 40% when the rider used a helmet.

Motorist: Do Not Tailgate

Motorists should never tailgate a motorcycle, because this is risky for both you and the cyclist. If the cyclist experiences a mechanical malfunction, odds are good they will be suddenly thrown from the motorcycle. If you tailgate, the possibility of running over the thrown cyclists is high. During the police investigation, the authorities may state you were negligent by following too close. Allow enough room for an escape route when driving behind a motorcycle.

Motorcyclist: Pre-Trip Inspection

If you are a motorcyclist, a pre-trip inspection minimizes your risk by discovering potential hazards. For example, imagine that during the inspection you find a frayed brake cable. If your brake fails, you lose a lot of stopping power when you need it. The solution, then, is to replace the cable before riding. Some areas of the pre-trip inspection should include checking the fluid levels, checking the cabling, and checking the tires. Another often overlooked routine is making sure all bolts are tightened to specifications. Bolts loosen up over time, and can lead to disaster if, say, the front wheel bolts loosen up.

Motorcyclist: Check the Weather Forecast

The weather may be nice, but a storm front may be moving in without you knowing about it. Any cyclist will tell you riding in a storm is miserable. Plan ahead, and plan for storms that are moving in. Tailor your riding time so bad weather is avoided. If you have to ride in the rain, pack weatherproof clothing accordingly. And if you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Denver or elsewhere in the US due to a driver’s negligence, consider contacting an injury attorney.

Motorcyclist: Look Far Ahead

As a cyclist, you should always look far ahead in the road, since road hazards can be encountered quickly before you have time to react to them. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), hazards such as oil slicks and debris all lead to accidents. For example, you are riding behind a truck. Some debris falls off the truck, causing you to lose control. To prevent this, allow enough room between you and the vehicle in front of you. Look far enough ahead, and plan for bad road conditions accordingly.

When you ride, it’s imperative to arrive at your destination, instead of an emergency room. Some elements you can’t control, but others you can. Take all the precautions necessary to ride safely, since it all boils down to being alert when riding and maintaining your motorcycle properly.